Rating Name Change Working Group Begins

From the Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus recently directed a review of the Navy's rating names to ensure they were representative of all Sailors and did not discriminate based on gender.

SECNAV specifically asked Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) John Richardson to look at ratings that referenced "man" in the title, which encompasses more than 20 Navy jobs.

"As our senior enlisted leader, I've asked MCPON (Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy) to take the helm on this because of his frequent interaction with enlisted Sailors during his travels throughout the fleet," said Richardson.

MCPON Mike Stevens will put together a working group that will canvass the fleet, talk with Sailors to hear their thoughts, and provide recommendations based on feedback. After the data has been compiled, MCPON will meet with the group to discuss Sailor feedback and determine courses of action.

"This is an opportunity for us to take a look at our rates to see if their names and titles best represent the Sailors and the description of their jobs, just as we have done many times in the past," said Stevens.

As the Navy moves toward the full integration of women serving in all job fields, the service will review its ratings for gender-neutral titles, accurate descriptions of their work, and alignment with civilian related jobs. In 2004, the Navy changed mess management specialist to culinary specialist, and in 2009 postal clerk and storekeeper were merged to form the logistics specialist rate.

A report detailing proposed courses of action is due to SECNAV by April 1.